Lucknow: Lucknow, known for its tehzeeb, kebabs, and timeless architecture, is now embracing a radically new identity—as India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) City. In a move that bridges tradition with technology, the cultural capital of Uttar Pradesh is preparing to emerge as a global AI innovation hub, powered by vision, infrastructure, and talent.
Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the AI City project aims to transform Lucknow into a digitally advanced, economically vibrant, and globally competitive city. With a futuristic plan and strategic investments, the city is poised to redefine how technology integrates with urban living.
A ₹10,732 Crore Commitment to Innovation
Located in Nadarganj Industrial Area near Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, the AI City will sprawl across 70 acres and be developed under the ₹10,732 crore IndiaAI Mission—approved in March 2024. This is India’s largest-ever tech infrastructure investment, 67% higher than any previous tech initiative. The massive fund will support 10,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), cutting-edge multi-modal language models, and a dedicated AI Innovation Center.
“This is not just about infrastructure. We’re building a future,” said Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, announcing an initial ₹5 crore allocation in the 2025–26 Budget to kickstart the project.
A Smart City with a Walk-to-Work Vision
Designed as a fully integrated smart city, the AI City will feature AI-enabled public transport, high-speed internet zones, eco-friendly buildings, and intelligent utilities. The walk-to-work model will blend residential housing (ranging from affordable to luxury), office spaces, and academic institutions into one cohesive ecosystem.
Key educational institutes like IIM-Lucknow and IIIT-Lucknow will have dedicated spaces, encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and startups. “The AI City will become a catalyst for future IT projects in Lucknow,” said BJP MLA Rajeshwar Singh, underlining its potential to place Lucknow alongside India’s top tech destinations like Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
A Thriving Tech Ecosystem
The foundation is already strong. IIIT-Lucknow’s AI Centre of Excellence supports over 15 AI/ML startups, creating a nurturing environment for homegrown innovation. Speaking at the FDI Conclave during the recent Ground-Breaking Ceremony 4.0, CM Yogi Adityanath emphasized the city’s talent pool: “Youth from IIM-Lucknow and AKTU are becoming active partners in shaping this dream.”
Moreover, the government’s ‘AI Pragya’ initiative, in collaboration with Microsoft and Intel, is training over 10 lakh students, teachers, and farmers in AI, cybersecurity, and machine learning—broadening the base of tech literacy across the state.
Economic Engine for a $1 Trillion Vision
The AI City is a critical component of UP’s ambitious goal to become a $1 trillion economy by 2027. With IT and ITeS among the focus sectors, the project is expected to attract major national and global tech players, create thousands of jobs, and inject new energy into the local economy.
“If Lucknow becomes an AI city, it could become the AI capital of the world,” remarked Vishal Dhupar, MD, NVIDIA South Asia, stressing India’s advantage in skilled human resources.
AI for Better Governance and Livability
The city’s transformation goes beyond business and infrastructure. AI will also play a key role in improving urban governance, traffic systems, and healthcare. A pilot AI-based traffic management system, inspired by Varanasi’s smart city model, is already under discussion. The administration is also committed to aligning with the AIR (Acceptance, Innovation, Responsible Use) framework to ensure ethical and inclusive use of AI technologies.
A New Era for the City of Nawabs
Lucknow’s transformation from a city steeped in history to a symbol of India’s digital future reflects a larger narrative of progress. What makes this transition unique is its balanced approach—preserving the city’s cultural essence while boldly stepping into the next era of global technology.
As India eyes global leadership in artificial intelligence, Lucknow’s AI City stands as a pioneering model—blending innovation, inclusion, and intent. A city once known for its poetry is now writing a new verse—in the language of code, data, and ambition.
